Build and Design: Sturdy Yet Portable
Right out of the box, the KeyStep feels like a premium piece of equipment. Its solid metal base gives it a reassuring weight, while the creamy plastic shell and slim keys keep it sleek and portable. At just 19" x 5.75", it’s small enough to toss into a backpack but substantial enough to hold its own on a crowded desk. The 32-note “Slimkey” keybed strikes a great balance between mini-keys and full-sized playability, offering velocity sensitivity and aftertouch that make it surprisingly expressive for its size. While it’s not a piano replacement, it’s more than adequate for laying down melodies, chords, or basslines.
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The capacitive pitch and mod strips are a nice touch, though I found myself wishing for traditional wheels for more tactile feedback. They’re responsive, but without visual cues, it’s easy to forget their position when switching patches.
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| $7 power adapter from Amazon, click to enlarge |
One minor gripe: the sync selector switches are tiny and awkwardly placed, requiring you to flip the unit over to adjust them.
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| The Micro-B USB connector, like an old Android phone, click to enlarge |
Features: A Sequencing and Performance Beast
What sets the KeyStep apart from other MIDI controllers in its price range (around $130) is its sheer versatility. It’s not just a keyboard—it’s a polyphonic step sequencer, arpeggiator, and performance controller rolled into one. Let’s break down the key features:
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- Polyphonic Step Sequencer: The 64-step sequencer with 8-note polyphony is a standout. You can record, overdub, and transpose sequences in real-time, all while playing live on the keyboard. I paired it with some Behringer eurorack synths and was blown away by how easy it is to play.
- Arpeggiator: The arpeggiator is intuitive and fun, with eight modes (including up, down, random, and order). It’s perfect for generating ideas or adding movement to live performances. The “Hold” button lets you lock in arps hands-free, freeing you up to tweak other gear or play over the top.
- Chord Mode: This is a creative goldmine. You can play a chord, save it, and trigger it with single keys across the keyboard. It’s ideal for live jamming or sketching ideas without needing advanced keyboard skills. I used it to create lush pads with Arturia virtual synths, it worked well and was easy to use.
- Connectivity: The KeyStep shines as a central hub. It can send MIDI, CV, and USB-MIDI simultaneously, letting you control software synths, hardware synths, and modular gear at once. I had it driving a Behringer Model D via CV, syncing a Volca via DIN sync, and controlling Ableton Live via USB, all without a hitch. The Arturia MIDI Control Center software adds even more flexibility, letting you fine-tune CV settings, MIDI channels, and sync options.
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Performance and Workflow
In the studio, the KeyStep is a workflow accelerator. Its compact size means it fits perfectly next to a laptop or synth, and the responsive keybed makes it easy to input notes quickly. The sequencer is a highlight—it’s intuitive enough for beginners to jump in and start creating melodies.
I love arpeggiators and sequencers, they're a great way to learn about and experiment with chords. I spent hours experimenting with random arp modes, generating ideas I wouldn’t have stumbled upon otherwise. The only downside is that the sequencer doesn’t capture incoming MIDI notes from external sources, which would’ve been a nice touch for integrating with other controllers.
One thing to note: the Rate knob for tempo lacks any numeric BPM markings, so adjusting the master clock is guesswork and you'll need to use your ears. A single reference point (like 100 BPM) would make this faster to adjust, especially when syncing with external gear.
Value and Verdict
At its price point, the Arturia KeyStep is a deal, even though it's low priced and smaller than a standard keyboard, it feels good under your fingers. It’s hard to find another controller that offers this level of connectivity, sequencing power, and performance features for under $150. While it has a few quirks—like the fiddly sync switches and lack of a standalone power adapter—these are minor compared to what you’re getting. It’s a perfect fit for producers who want a compact, versatile controller that can handle everything from DAW integration to modular sequencing.
Pros:
- Compact, sturdy build with a playable Slimkey keybed
- Powerful polyphonic sequencer and arpeggiator
- Extensive connectivity (USB, MIDI, CV/Gate, sync)
- Chord mode and Keyboard Play mode boost creativity
- Affordable price for the feature set
Cons:
- Tiny sync selector switches are hard to access
- No standalone power adapter included
- Pitch/mod strips lack tactile feedback
- Rate knob needs BPM markings
EPILOGUE
I like the Arturia KeyStep 32-Key Controller & Sequencer, it's easy to play, easy to handle size-wise and is a must-have for anyone looking to bridge the gap between hardware and software in a compact, affordable package. I like that it is more than two-octaves long for composing melodies. Whether you’re a modular nerd, a synth enthusiast, or a DAW-based producer, it’s a versatile tool that inspires creativity and simplifies complex setups. The inexpensive mini-keys on the keybed is not a problem like some low cost keyboards, these have a decent, workable, feel for a bargain model instrument, and the compact size combined with 5-pin midi jacks are the important features I needed in my small studio. This keyboard is good.
Thanks for reading High on Technology, Good Music To You!
©June 2025 by Mark King, it’s not ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author.
Go forth and create something beautiful. . . . . . . . ……
With a cheap phone charger for power, you don't need USB, a computer or DAW. I had a lot of fun using the sequencer in the keyboard while testing the Behringer Toro bass synth. With the sequencer doing the performing, I was free to experiment with the voices, filters, mix and dynamics controls on the synthesizer.
